week 10 term 1 2025
Kia ora whaanau
As Term 1 draws to a close, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on what has been a fantastic start to the year. Our new cohort of Year 7 students has settled in wonderfully, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to our school community.
This term has been packed with exciting opportunities and memorable moments. From school camps and swimming to our triathlon, it’s been fantastic to see our students embracing challenges and giving their best. We've also had several WIMS sporting fixtures, and it’s been great to see our teams compete with pride and determination.
A special highlight was welcoming our Life Education facilitator, who worked with students to build their understanding of hauora and the importance of healthy choices. Their engaging sessions added real value to our health and wellbeing programme.
We were also privileged to host visitors from Makuhari, Japan, strengthening our international connections and creating lasting friendships. Our Open Evening was another highlight, allowing families to experience the vibrant learning and culture that make Maeroa a special place.
Throughout the term, our students have had a wide range of sporting and cultural opportunities to get involved, and it’s been heartening to see so many of them step up, participate, and show what Maeroa is all about.
Thank you to our fantastic staff, supportive whaanau, and, most of all, our students for making this term so successful. Enjoy a well-deserved break, and we look forward to another exciting term ahead.
Ngaa mihi nui
Susan Wood - Principal
EOTC Opportunities
Back to Basics Camp - Karangahake Camp.
Our Karangahake Camp, Back to Basics is over for the year and we have finally finished the clean up here which has included replacing 250 lost tent pegs!, airing out the tents, scrubbing out and packing away equipment, maintenance on our new kayaks and drying out the life jackets ready for next time. We had 569 student attend which is just on 80% of our school, 73 parents and caregivers and 30 teachers over the 3 weeks. The adults that came and supported with their energy, humour and skills were awesome, very generous and without them this camp would not have been possible.
Our students have told us that some of the best parts of camp for them was spending time with their friends. Whether it was during free time, at meals, or while doing activities together, hanging out with friends made the experience extra fun and memorable. Camp gave everyone the chance to strengthen friendships, share lots of laughs, and enjoy each other's company away from the usual classroom setting.
The activities at camp were also a major highlight. From outdoor games to creative challenges and team-building tasks, there was always something exciting to do. Many students loved trying new things, whether it was learning a new skill or stepping out of their comfort zone. Sleeping in tents, cooking outdoors, and participating in bush walks added to the sense of adventure.
Another thing that stood out was being outside in nature and spending time with classmates and teachers in a different environment. The bush walks were popular, giving students the chance to explore the natural surroundings and enjoy some fresh air. Being with their teacher and class in such a relaxed, outdoor setting helped build a strong sense of community and created lasting memories.
The money raised from last years Colour Run made it possible to purchase the set of kayaks and this was a firm favourite on the river. The weather for the most part was great and it meant the river level made this a safe time to explore.
Further EOTC Opportunities
We do have two other opportunities for camp coming up that are more extensive and expensive. Hillary Outdoors Pursuits Centre is a 5-night adventure in Term 4 starting at Labour Weekend and costs approximately $1100, or the alternative option is the Blue Mountain Adventure Centre, also in the Tongariro National Park, which is a 2-night adventure in the last week of Term 3 and costs $500. We seek students who see themselves as leaders and want to further develop their leadership abilities in a challenging and adventurous environment. Students who attend the Leadership Camp will develop and enhance their leadership potential through experiences. They will explore leadership techniques and attributes to develop and understand their leadership style. Information will be sent home at the beginning of Term 2 and we will have an information evening that explains how things work, how students can apply, the payment plan and who this is most suitable for.
Kayaking at Camp
Science at Maeroa
All our classes have been focused on our Science Inquiry - Changes of States. On Wednesday, Te Ara Poutama learned about close observations and note-taking. The students conducted a science experiment, explored Chemical Changes, and discussed how the same reactant in different forms can yield different results. They made Blobs in a Bottle; some students used denture tablets, some used Eno powder, and the last group had a mixture of Baking Soda and Citric Acid. When the reactants mixed with the water, they created carbon dioxide bubbles. The bubbles then floated through the oil to the surface, carrying water. Once the carbon dioxide bubbles popped, the water sank below the oil. Students had to note down the changes they observed at 30-second intervals. At the end of the experiment, it was clear that the mixture of Baking Soda and Citric Acid created a much faster reaction.
Science at Maeroa
School Uniform - Maeroa Track Pants
We do have school track pant available for sale at NZ Uniforms our uniform providers. We have updated the style after feedback since last year and the track pant fabric feels like it will be more robust. Last year we had a number of the track pants blow out and tear in the knee. We have also updated the font so that our school name is more visible. Students can still wear last years track pants but moving forward this will be the only style available at the shop. All uniform needs to regulation uniform.
- A reminder that students may only wear school-approved jackets, sweatshirts, shorts, skorts, and track pants as part of their uniform.
- Students are permitted to wear thermal tops under their shirts for warmth, but these must not be visible under their school shirts.
- Students may also wear opaque black pantyhose under their skorts. Please note that leggings are not permitted.
- Completely black shoes are permitted. Note our uniform shoes do not have white soles. They are entirely black.
Part of the uniform at Maeroa inlcudes;
- Hair that hangs below the shoulder needs to be tied back, not half and half for both male and female.
- Earrings need to be a small stud - no hoops or large pearls.
- A necklace/taonga may be worn that sits under their shirts, this is a safety consideration.
Koru Badge Recipients
Congratulations to the following students who earned their Koru Badges in the last two weeks. You set your goal, worked hard, and achieved it —well done.
Bronze Badge: Naeah K-M, Nahla N, Jackson M, David K, Jayden M.
Silver Badge: Lilah M.
Gold Badge: Blake K, Marshall R, Xavier H, Finn S.
Platinum Badge: Morne H, Emily I, Darcy C.
Star Badge: Thomas K, Skyla S, Marli V.
Attendance at Maeroa
Students aged 6 to 16 are legally required to attend school every day. It's everyone's responsibility to ensure that our children attend and engage in learning from the time they start school. Ministry of Education NZ
At Maeroa Intermediate, every day at school is an essential opportunity for learning, growth, and connection. Regular attendance is vital for academic success, social development, and well-being. In line with the New Zealand Government's expectations for student attendance, we are committed to supporting every student in attending school daily. Consistent engagement maximises learning outcomes and helps students develop valuable life habits.
We recognise that emerging adolescents thrive in stable, supportive environments where daily attendance allows them to fully participate in various educational, cultural, and social experiences. Attending school daily strengthens students' learning journey, builds resilience, and gains the skills needed for future success. Maeroa values and supports our students and families in prioritising regular attendance. We work collaboratively to overcome barriers to ensure all students are present and ready to learn.
If your child is absent and we do not know why, we will text you to advise you. You must respond to us by text or email.
You will also receive a text message if your child is late.
Whenever your child is absent from school, you need to phone/text or email the school to let us know why. If we are not told why your child is absent from school, they will be marked truant.
The New Zealand Education Review office states that “regular school attendance makes a big difference. Every day counts, and we know that missing too many days leads to lower achievement, poorer well-being, and other worrying outcomes. Attendance patterns start early and carry through for a learner’s time at school”
So going to school every day is very important for a child to get the best out of school because:
It develops good habits for going to school.
Each day is an opportunity to learn something new.
School offers your child help to gain the skills they need for life and secondary school.
It teaches your child life skills like solving problems, how to work with others, and resilience.
It is the law in New Zealand that children aged 6 to 16 years must attend school regularly.
It teaches students to have respect for other cultures, religions, ethnicities and gender differences.
Key Point :
Children who attend school every day are more likely to have friends, to achieve success, to develop good social behaviours and learning skills, and to be ready for secondary school.
Ma te rongo ka mōhio, ma te mōhio ka marama, ma te marama ka matau, ma te matau ka ora.
Through listening comes awareness, through awareness comes understanding, through understanding comes knowledge, and through knowledge comes life and well-being.
I have attached an image of our overall attendance for term 1 2025. Our attendance of 90% or above is sitting at 65% for term 1. We can do better than this. Our aim is to increase our overall attendance as close to the government target as possible. We urge all parents to aim to get their child to school every day next term.
Thank you to all those parents who send their children every day and those who let us know when their children are absent from school.
